Modular marine foundation

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides for marine foundation modules to support erosion control structures for protection against coastal shoreline erosion. The module has a planar base having at least four connected wall sections, with each wall section having an upper tapered wall section extending outwardly from the planar base and a lower vertical wall section extending downwardly from the upper wall section. The at least four wall sections and the planar base define an inner cavity having an inner surface area, the inner surface area having a central planar inner surface extending outwardly to an inner tapered surface transitioning concavely to an inner lower vertical wall surface. The lower vertical wall sections are configured to embed into soil of a sea bed floor, for anchoring the module. The inner cavity encloses the soil, such that the soil exerts an upward force on the inner surface area of the module to enhance load bearing capacity of the module.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to coastal erosion controldevices and methods of prevention or reduction of coastal erosion andmore particularly relates to devices and methods for marine foundationsto support coastal erosion structures.

Description of the Related Art

Erosion of coastal shorelines is a global problem and coastalcommunities are faced with the major problem of shoreline erosioncontrol. Shore zones tend to inherently have high land values andtherefore, the stabilization of coastal shorelines has become anecessity in many coastal areas around the world. For example, theLouisiana Gulf Coast area experiences the loss of thousands of acres ofwetlands each year. The rate at which shores erode depends upon thecomposition of the shore zone and exposure to erosive forces. Erosion iscaused by forces of nature action along shorelines and the actions ofhuman beings. One natural cause of coastal erosion is due tohydrodynamic forces acting upon coastal areas. This type of erosionresults in the loss of land mass and damage to wildlife habitats. Theerection of certain structures by people can also result in increasederosion of coastal shorelines.

Around the world, shorelines are eroding or disappearing because of anumber of reasons, at least one reason being excessive wave action thateats away at the shoreline. Loss of wetlands causes a decrease inhabitat for numerous marine species, such as shrimp, crabs, and fish.

Currently, there are many types of coastal protection measures, such as,seawalls, breakwater tubes, geotextiles, rip rap, aggregate, etc. Inurban environments, seawalls are often used to prevent erosion, andthose are typically heavy and massive concrete structures built along astretch of land on a shoreline which creates a type of armoringstructure. Breakwater tubes are commonly used to act as a first layer ofdefense against waves as they break along the shore. They are ofteninstalled in shorelines that require long term, demanding support.Riprap, also known as rip rap, rip-rap, shot rock, rock armor or rubble,is rock or other material used to armor shorelines, streambeds, bridgeabutments, pilings and other shoreline structures against scour andwater or ice erosion. Common rock types used include granite andlimestone. Concrete rubble from building and paving demolition issometimes used for rip rap. Frequently, the coastal erosion structureitself is called rip rap. Aggregate is also used to armor shorelines,streambeds, bridge abutments, pilings and other shoreline structuresagainst scour and water or ice erosion. Geotextiles are commonlyinstalled to help increase the stabilization and strength of retainingwalls, rip rap, aggregate, and larger structures. Heavy material such asaggregate or rip rap that is placed on a coastal site with deep, softmud, will sink and be lost until enough material is deployed tostabilize the site, which is often times very expensive demanding anabundance of material.

Over the years, various devices have been made to assist people withsolving the problem of shoreline stabilization. However, such commonlyknown devices are of complex construction, expensive, largelyinefficient in operation, and often result in increased erosion ofshorelines. There is a need for a simple, low weight per unit area, andself-anchored device and method for people to more easily install andmore efficiently address the problems associated with shorelinestabilization.

A conventional apparatus used for shoreline stabilization is provided inU.S. Pat. No. 5,129,756 issued to Wheeler, which discloses an apparatusand method for controlling coastal erosion through the use of a systemof massive sea blocks. The system utilizes massive hollow reinforcedconcrete blocks that contain bulky fill material such as sand, mud,shell, or concrete rip rap. These massive hollow reinforced concreteblocks are transported to coastal sites filled with refuse material,sealed, and dropped onto hard ground in shallow or deep water and arearranged in rows or stacked to create a barricade against the action ofthe sea against the shore. As provided therein, such device require thateach hollow block is filled with the refuse material until the blockshave a weight of at least 25 tons. Such devices require barges withmassive cranes in order to be transported, the uses of the devices arelimited by crane lifting capabilities for movement of the blocks, andthey are very heavy, expensive, and inconvenient to use.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10,767,301 filed by Toups, Jr.discloses a coastal land reclamation and erosion prevention systemconsisting of layered vehicle tires connected both vertically andhorizontally to form a continuous barrier structure, which allowsincoming wave and tidal action to carry sand/soil over the structure andslows retreating water, resulting in the deposit and accumulation ofparticulate on the coastal side of the structure. The vehicle tires arefilled with an aggregate and sealed. The tires are then laid flathorizontally with the tire treads in contact with each other and arestrapped together with a corrosion resistant material, such as stainlesssteel banding, to form a continuous straight row. Successive layers areplaced atop the initial layer in an offset manner so that the tirecenter openings of the next lower layer are directly below the strappedareas of the successive layers. Alternate layers are similarly strappedtogether to reach the desired height of the overall structure. To use, athree (3) foot trench running parallel to the coastline must be preparedand the structure is then installed therein. As provided therein, thestructure must be stabilized with screw type anchors attached at thirty(30) foot intervals. The primary shortcomings are the complexity ofconstruction, inconvenience in installation, and the necessity of theanchoring mechanism.

More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 9,745,713 issued to Breitenbeck discloses asystem for creating portable, porous structures for restoringcoastlines. The structures consist of a bag made of porous natural orsynthetic mesh material with multiple longitudinal pockets filled withlightweight, porous manufactured aggregate, such as thermally fusedsilicate clays. One embodiment forms walls consisting of stacked bags oflightweight aggregate, where the tubular design of the bags create aninterlocking system without the need for the construction of a levelfoundation. Another embodiment forms a mat consisting of multiple bagsencased in a flexible grid material. In another embodiment, the mats arerolled up to form a log allowing for multiple logs to be combinedtogether and used to support another formation. However, the mats andlogs require the use of multiple anchoring systems consisting of anchorcables, connectors, anchors, and driving posts, forcing a person to pusha rod into a formation and insert the anchor connected to the drivingpost into the rod and attach the anchor cables to the mats or logs.Another shortcoming is the mesh design of the bags which if torn resultin the aggregate being dispersed into the actual environment the systemsare supposed to be designed to protect.

A myriad of devices and methods have been patented, which attempt tosolve the issue of coastal stabilization. The following are examples ofU.S. Patents which have been granted for structures and devices whichare placed in coastal zones or into shallow water for the purpose ofstabilizing the shoreline:

U.S. Pat. No. Inventor 2,429,952 Willey 3,759,043 Tokunaga 4,558,774Mikami 3,886,751 Labora 8,752,353 Zinser 5,078,150 Hara 9,428,876 Kwon9,631,334 Gordon 9,726,141 Kohler 9,885,163 Pierce, Jr. 9,926,680 Boasso4,432,671 Westra

The following are examples of U.S. Patents which have been granted forstructures and devices which consist of artificial reefs for the purposeof stabilizing the shoreline:

U.S. Pat. No. Inventor 10,138,610 Hilton 9,982,448 Fricano 9,744,687Hilton 9,498,901 Hilton 9,403,287 Hilton 7,497,643 Carnahan 7,004,098Sarantidis 6,857,383 Sarantidis 6,467,993 Utter

The following are examples of U.S. Patents which have been granted forstructures and devices which consist of reef foundations for the purposeof stabilizing the shoreline:

U.S. Pat. No. Inventor 9,832,979 Kabiling, Jr. 9,708,221 Miyao 7,827,937Walter 5,113,792 Jones

Another type of shoreline stabilization system is sand filled geotextiletubes used to produce a groin field. U.S. Pat. No. 7,461,998 issued toParnell discloses a method of stabilizing a beach, which includes thesteps of producing and implementing an engineering design for placementof one or more sand filled, low profile geotextile tubes in proximity tothe beach to produce a groin or groyne field. Groins interrupt waterflow and limit the movement of sediment, and they are typicallyinstalled perpendicular to the shore. However, some major shortcomingresults if groins are too long or too high or if they are too low, tooshort, or too permeable. If they are too long or too high, they tend toaccelerate downdrift erosion and become ineffective because they traptoo much sediment. If they are too low, too short, or too permeable,groins become ineffective because they trap too little sediment.Additionally, if groins do not extend far enough into the shore land,water from high tide and storm surges may flow past the landward end anderode a channel bypassing the groins.

Many of these smaller structures can be moved by very heavy wave actionthat occurs, for example, during storms such as hurricanes. It is knownthat hurricanes can greatly erode a shoreline in a matter of a few dayswhen huge wave surges pound at the shoreline and when water levels riseseveral feet in what is commonly called a tidal surge.

While there are many styles of seawalls and levees available, thesewalls and levees are costly and difficult to deploy in many wetlandenvironments. Granite or limestone riprap is sometimes used to protectshorelines, but the weight of these materials causes rapid subsidenceand the riprap barriers must be frequently replenished with additionalstone. There is a need for a lightweight portable device that canprovide foundational support that prevents subsidence for such heavymaterials.

While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed,they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present inventionas disclosed hereafter.

Accordingly, there is a need for a simple, low weight per unit area, andself-anchored device and method for easy installation and efficientsolution to the problem of shoreline stabilization.

As disclosed in this application, the inventor has discovered novel andunique devices and methods for efficient and simple shorelinestabilization, which exhibit superlative properties without beingdependent on heavy, immobile, expensive or complex components.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for devices and methods anddisclosed herein and as defined in the annexed claims which provide forimproved shoreline stabilization features in order to efficiently,simply, and effectively serve as a stand-alone coastal protectionstructure or as a universal foundation for coastal protection structuresin soft bottom areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one prospect of the present invention to provide one or more noveldevices and methods of simple but effective construction which can beapplied to many environments to efficiently and effectively protectionagainst coastal shoreline erosion.

The following presents a simplified summary of the present disclosure ina simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that ispresented herein.

Therefore, in accordance with embodiment of the invention, there isprovided a structural foundation module for protection against coastalshoreline erosion. In one embodiment, the device has a planar basehaving at least four connected wall sections. Each connected wallsection has an upper tapered wall section extending outwardly from theplanar base. Each connected wall section further has a lower verticalwall section extending downwardly from the upper tapered wall section.In combination, the planar base and the at least four wall sections forman inner cavity having an inner surface area. The inner surface area ofthe inner cavity has a central planar inner surface extending outwardlyto an inner tapered surface. The inner tapered surface transitionsconcavely to an inner lower vertical wall surface. The lower verticalwall sections are preferably configured to embed into the soil of a seabed floor to anchor the module into the sea bed floor. In such preferredembodiment, the inner cavity is adapted to enclose the sea bed floorsoil. The enclosed soil of the sea bed exerts an upward force on theinner surface area of the module to enhance the load bearing capacity ofthe module.

In another embodiment, each of the four vertical walls of the structuralfoundation module are adapted to embed into the surface of the ground toself-anchor until the central planar inner surface of the planar basecontacts a surface of the sea bed, and the vertical wall sections areadapted to resist gravitational shear stresses within the soil.

In yet another embodiment, at least one of the tapered wall sectionsdefines at least one aperture adapted for the flow of air and water whenthe vertical walls embed into the soil of a sea bed.

In one embodiment, the planar body and tapered walls of the structuralfoundation module are constructed of reinforced concrete with steelreinforcement bars disposed therein.

In another embodiment, the outer surfaces of each of the upper taperedwall sections have ribbed surfaces and the ribbed surfaces are adaptedto collect aggregate.

In yet another embodiment, the outer surfaces of each of the uppertapered wall sections have laterally inwardly stepped surfacespositioned at discrete intervals along the respective lengths of eachsection such that the laterally inwardly stepped surfaces are adaptedfor collection of aggregate.

In one embodiment, the planar base of the structural foundation moduleis square in shape.

In another embodiment, the planar base, tapered wall sections, andvertical wall sections are of unitary construction fabricated withreinforced concrete.

In yet another embodiment, the planar base of the module is rectangularin shape and serves as a modular marine foundation for a canal.

In yet another embodiment, the modular marine foundation is covered withrip rap and serves as an embankment for canals in intercoastal waterways.

In one embodiment, the vertical walls are adapted to self-anchor into asea bed floor.

In another embodiment, the weight of the upward force on the innersurface area of the module exceeds the weight of the structuralfoundation module.

In yet another embodiment, the combined width of the planar base andtapered walls of the module is at least twice the length of therespective lower vertical walls.

In another preferred embodiment, a modular marine foundation device isprovided comprising a plurality of structural foundation modules.Preferably, each structural foundation module has a planar base havingat least four connected wall sections. Each connected wall section hasan upper tapered wall section extending outwardly from the planar baseand a lower vertical wall section extending downwardly from the uppertapered wall section. The at least four wall sections in combinationwith the planar base define an inner cavity having an inner surfacearea. The inner surface area has a central planar inner surfaceextending outwardly to an inner tapered surface, which concavelytransitions into an inner lower vertical wall surface. The lowervertical wall sections are configured to embed into the soil of a seabed floor to anchor the module into the sea bed floor. As disclosed inembodiments herein, the inner cavity is adapted to enclose the soil ofthe sea bed floor, causing the enclosed soil to exert an upward force onthe inner surface area of each modular marine foundation, which enhancesthe load bearing capacity of each module. The structural foundationmodules are preferably arranged in an array to form a geometric patternof modules along a coastal zone where erosion is to be controlled.Preferably, the structural foundation modules are arranged in a positionto provide foundation support for artificial reefs or other erosioncontrol structures. Preferably, the structural foundation modules are ina position spaced from the shoreline so that wave action is dissipatedbefore it reaches the shore, thereby providing for protection againstcoastal erosion.

In one embodiment, the geometric pattern of modules of the modularmarine foundation includes at least one first module disposed adjacentto at least one second module, wherein at least one vertical wallsection of the at least one first module opposes at least one verticalwall section of the at least one second module.

In another embodiment, modular marine foundation includes least oneupper structural foundation module positioned atop the at least onefirst module and the at least one second module such the planar base ofthe at least one first module and the planar base of the at least onesecond module structurally support at least two lower vertical wallsections of the at least one upper structural foundation module.

In yet another embodiment, a cavity is defined between the geometricpattern of modules and the one or more upper structural foundationmodules. The cavity enables marine life to pass through and/or settle inthe cavity to form a reef.

Other embodiments disclosed herein are methods for constructing a marinefoundation for protection against coastal erosion. The method comprisesthe steps of transporting a plurality of self-anchoring foundationmodules to a coastal site where coastal protection structures will beplaced to control erosion. Each such module preferably has a shell bodywhich has a top wall connected to four opposing vertical side walls.Each module is adapted such that when the module is submerged, the fouropposing vertical side walls are embedded into the soil of the sea bed.Submerging the modules into the sea bed while arranging the modules inan array that extends along the coastal site forms a marine foundation.The marine foundation is adapted to receive and support aggregate andother coastal protection structures.

In one embodiment, the method includes the step of transportingaggregate to the coastal site and unloading the aggregate onto themarine foundation to dissipate wave action.

In embodiments of the present invention, the method further includestransporting artificial reefs to the coastal site and unloading theartificial reefs onto the marine foundation, therefore providingadditional protection against coastal erosion.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described hereinwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numeralsthroughout the figures identify substantially similar components, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary marine foundationmodule in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top right perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a front right bottom perspective view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view, according to a preferred embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a device according to a preferred embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom left perspective view of an exemplary embodimentaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front right perspective view of an embodiment of theinvention illustrating an exemplary embedding of reinforcement barsaccording to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9A is a front cross sectional elevation view of a preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9B is a front cross sectional elevation view of an embodiment ofthe invention illustrating exemplary forces acting upon the moduleaccording to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9C is a front cross sectional elevation view of an embodiment ofthe invention illustrating exemplary dispersion forces acting upon themodule according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a top front perspective view thereof in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a top front perspective view of an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 12 is a top front perspective view of a marine foundation modulesystem according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a top right perspective view thereof;

FIG. 14 is a right bottom perspective view thereof;

FIG. 15 is a schematic top view thereof, illustrating exemplaryplacement arrays according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic top view thereof, illustrating exemplaryplacement arrays and coastal protection structures according toembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 17A is a schematic top view of a marine foundation module systemaccording to embodiments of the invention showing placement within acanal;

FIG. 17B is a schematic top view of embankment foundation modulesaccording to embodiments of the invention showing placement on the banksof a canal;

FIG. 18 is a front elevation schematic view of an embodiment of themarine foundation module system showing placement of the module systemat a coastal erosion zone;

FIG. 19 is a front elevation schematic view of an embodiment of themarine foundation module system showing placement of an exemplarystacked module system at a coastal erosion zone;

FIG. 20 is a top front perspective view of a stacked marine foundationmodule system according to embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 21 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an exemplary method ofconstructing a marine foundation in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For a further understanding of the nature and function of theembodiments, reference should be made to the following detaileddescription. Detailed descriptions of the embodiments are providedherein, as well as, the best mode of carrying out and employing thepresent invention. It will be readily appreciated that the embodimentsare well adapted to carry out and obtain the ends and features mentionedas well as those inherent herein. It is to be understood, however, thatthe present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore,persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the followingdisclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting, as thespecific details disclosed herein provide a basis for the claims and arepresentative basis for teaching to employ the present invention invirtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. Itshould be understood that the devices, materials, methods, procedures,and techniques described herein are presently representative of variousembodiments. Other embodiments of the disclosure will readily suggestthemselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

As used herein, “axis” means a real or imaginary straight line aboutwhich a three-dimensional body is symmetrical. A “vertical axis” meansan axis perpendicular to the ground (or put another way, an axisextending upwardly and downwardly). A “horizontal axis” means an axisparallel to the ground.

As used herein, homogeneous is defined as the same in all locations, anda homogeneous material is a material of uniform composition throughoutthat cannot be mechanically separated into different materials. Examplesof “homogeneous materials” are certain types of plastics, ceramics,glass, metals, alloys, paper, board, resins, high-density polyethyleneand rubber.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-21, the basic constructional details andprinciples of operation of one embodiment of a structural foundationmodule 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present inventionwill be discussed.

Therefore, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, there isprovided a structural foundation module 100 for protection againstcoastal shoreline erosion. Referring to the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1-2, and 5 the module 100 has a planar base 102 having at leastfour connected wall sections 104. Preferably, each connected wallsection 104 has an upper tapered wall section 106 extending outwardlyfrom the planar base 102. Each connected wall section 104 has a lowervertical wall section 108 extending downwardly from the upper taperedwall section 106, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. In combination, theplanar base 102 and the at least four wall sections 104 form an innercavity 110 having an inner surface area 112, as illustrated in FIGS. 4and 9B.

The modules 100 could be manufactured at a construction facility locatednear the coastline where erosion is a problem, or a module 100 could betransported long distances by barge and set in place at its positionusing a crane upon the barge. Crane barges or derrick barges arecommonly used by a number of offshore construction companies and areknown in the art. Preferably, each module 100 would be formed andpoured, allowed to cure, and then transported to a coastal erosion site.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 6-7, and 9A-9 C, in a preferred embodiment, theinner surface area 112 of the inner cavity 110 has a central planarinner surface 114 extending outwardly to an inner tapered surface 116.The inner tapered surface 116 transitions concavely to an inner lowervertical wall surface 118. The lower vertical wall sections 108 arepreferably configured to embed into the soil 120 of a sea bed floor 122to anchor the module 100 into the sea bed floor 122, as illustrated inFIG. 9A.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9 C, in such preferred embodiments, the innercavity 110 is adapted to enclose the soil 120 of the sea bed 122 floor.Through embodiments disclosed herein, the enclosed soil 120 of the seabed 122 exerts upward ground resistant forces, as illustrated by ArrowB, on the inner surface area 112 of the module 100 to enhance the loadbearing capacity of the module 100. The lower vertical wall sections 108combined with the upper tapered wall sections 106 cut through anexemplary shear stress angle, as illustrated by Arrow D, imparted bygravitational forces, as illustrated by Arrow A, and ground resistantforces, as illustrated by Arrow B, which resists punching shear andenhances the load bearing capacity of said module 100, as illustrated inFIG. 9B.

Referring to FIG. 9C, the particles of the sea bed 122 soil 120 cannotshear out along the line of dispersion, as illustrated by Arrow C,created by the planar body 102 because of the lower vertical wallsections 108 combined with the upper tapered wall sections 106. As canbe seen in FIG. 9C the lower vertical wall sections 108 and the uppertaped wall sections 106 encapsulate the soil particles 120 and preventthem from dispersing outwardly in the direction of Arrow C. Preferablyas illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9 C and FIGS. 15-19, each of the four lowervertical wall sections 108 of the structural foundation module 100 areadapted to penetrate through the surface 122 and embed into the groundor sea bed 120 to self-anchor until the central planar inner surface 114of the planar base 102 contacts the surface of the sea bed 122.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5 and 7-10, in yet another embodiment, at least oneof the tapered wall sections 106 defines at least one aperture 124adapted for the flow of air and water when the vertical walls 108 embedinto the soil 120 of a sea bed 122.

Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the planar body 102, taperedwalls 106, and four vertical walls 108 of the structural foundationmodule 100 are preferably constructed of reinforced concrete with steelreinforcement bars 125 disposed therein. Preferably, the steelreinforcement bars 125 include half inch (½″) diameter steel rods spaced12 inches (12″) on center both ways.

Referring to FIG. 10, in another embodiment, the outer surfaces 126 ofeach of the upper tapered wall sections 106 have ribbed surfaces 128 andthe ribbed surfaces 128 are adapted to collect aggregate or rip rap 129,as illustrated in FIG. 16.

Referring to FIG. 11, in yet another embodiment, the outer surfaces 126of each of the upper tapered wall sections 106 have laterally inwardlystepped surfaces 130 positioned at discrete intervals along therespective lengths of each section 106 such that the laterally inwardlystepped surfaces 130 are adapted for collection of aggregate 129.

Preferably, the planar base 102 of the structural foundation module 100is square in shape, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In a preferred embodiment,the module 100 has dimensions of ten feet (10′) long, ten feet (10′)wide, and two and one half feet (2.5′) in height, with a concrete wallthickness of approximately four inches (4″).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, an exemplary looped lifting strap 146 isdepicted in one corner of the module 100. In a preferred embodiment, themodule 100 has a looped lifting strap 146 in each corner of the module100. As illustrated, the loop strap 146 has free ends 148 embedded inthe upper tapered wall section 106. In another embodiment, the loopstrap 146 has free ends 148 embedded in the lower vertical wall sections108, where the loop strap 146 extends outwardly therefrom, asillustrated in FIG. 4.

In another embodiment, the planar base 102 of the module 100 isrectangular in shape, as illustrated in FIG. 17A, and serves as amodular marine foundation 132 for a canal.

In yet another embodiment, the modular marine foundation 132 is coveredwith rip rap 129 and serves as an embankment 150 for canals inintercoastal water ways, as illustrated in FIG. 17B.

In one embodiment, the vertical walls 108 are adapted to self-anchorinto a sea bed floor 122, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9 C.

In another embodiment, the weight of the upward ground resistant forces,as exemplified by Arrow E, on the inner surface area 112 of the module100 exceeds the weight of the structural foundation module 100, asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 9B.

In yet another embodiment, the combined width of the planar base 102 andtapered walls 106 of the module 100 is at least twice the length of therespective lower vertical walls 108, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9 C.

Referring to the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-20, thereis provided a modular marine foundation 132 having a plurality ofstructural foundation modules 100. The modular marine foundation 132system preferably includes a plurality of erosion control structuralfoundation modules 100 which can be arranged in any number of geometricpatterns. Each structural foundation module 100 preferably includes aplanar base 102 having at least four connected wall sections 104. Eachconnected wall section 104 preferably has an upper tapered wall section106 extending outwardly from the planar base 102 and a lower verticalwall section 108 extending downwardly from the upper wall section 106.In combination, the at least four wall sections 104 and the planar base102 define an inner cavity 110 having an inner surface area 112. Theinner surface area 112 of the inner cavity 110 has a central planarinner surface 114 extending outwardly to an inner tapered surface 116transitioning concavely to an inner lower vertical wall surface 118, asillustrated in FIGS. 3-4, 6-7, and 9A-9 C.

In a preferred embodiment, the structural foundation modules 100 arearranged in an array to form a geometric pattern of modules 132 along acoastal zone where erosion is to be controlled, and in a position toprovide foundation support for artificial reefs 129 and rip rap 129 orother erosion control structures, that, for instance, dissipate waveaction before it reaches the shoreline, such as jetties or groins, or,for instance, collect suspended sediment for the reclamation of land.Jetties and groins interrupt water flow and limit the movement ofsediment, they are typically installed perpendicular to the shore. Thestructural modules 100 can provide improved foundational support forjetties and groins, as illustrated in FIGS. 15-16.

A canal is an artificial water course with controlled water levels forthe transport of water or for navigation. A bank is land at the side ofwater, such as a river or a lake, or a long heap of sand, such as asandbank in shallow water, either in a river or in the sea. A shore isthe narrow strip of land immediately bordering a body of water. A soilprofile is the sequence of layers found in most soils. The upper Ahorizon is normally rich in organics, permeable and well aerated. Thelower B horizon is more compact and may be either pale and leached orthe site of deposition to create hard pans. The lowest C horizon usuallyhas a low organic content and contains pieces of partially weatheredbedrock. Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whethernatural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that isstatic, flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marinewater, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters.Wetlands are lands inundated or saturated by surface or ground water, ata frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normalcircumstances do support a prevalence of vegetation, typically adaptedfor life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally includeswamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. Land reclamation is the gainingof land in a wet area, such as a marsh or by the sea, by plantingmaritime plants to encourage silt deposition, by dumping dredgedmaterials in the area, or by the creation of embankments and polders.

Embodiments of the invention exemplified herein have particularapplication in those wetland swamp or wetland marsh areas having slowmoving waters where the soil bed 122 is a primarily soft mud bottom 120.A marsh is a transitional land-water area, covered at least part of thetime by surface water or saturated by groundwater at, or near thesurface. A marsh is characterized by aquatic and grass-like vegetation,usually without peat accumulation.

In one embodiment, the modular marine foundation 132 is installed in aposition that is spaced apart from the shoreline to provide foundationalsupport for coastal erosion structures that work to dissipate waveaction before it reaches the shore, to provide protection againstcoastal erosion. Coastal erosion is often defined as the loss ordisplacement of land along the coastline due to the action of waves,currents, tides, wind-driven water, waterborne ice, or other impacts ofstorms. Coastal erosion can also be defined as the process of long-termremoval of sediment and rocks at the coastline, leading to loss of landand retreat of the coastline landward. Referring to the exemplaryembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 15-18, structural foundation modules100 are preferably arranged side-by-side to form the modular marinefoundation 132. As illustrated in FIGS. 15-16, exemplary embodiments ofthe modular marine foundation 132 are preferably installed apart fromand parallel to the shoreline to dissipate wave action of the water 152to prevent erosion of embankments 150; or, the modular marinefoundations 132 are installed perpendicular to the shoreline and areused to form the foundation for jetties or groins.

Referring to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2, 12-13, and 18, thegeometric pattern of modules of the modular marine foundation 132includes at least one first module 100 disposed adjacent to at least onesecond module 100, wherein at least one vertical wall section 104,comprising an upper tapered wall section 106 and a lower vertical wallsection 108, of the at least one first module 100 opposes at least onevertical wall section 104 of the at least one second module 100.

In another embodiment, modular marine foundation 132 includes least oneupper structural foundation module 100 b positioned atop the at leastone first module 100 a and the at least one second module 100 a suchthat the planar base 102 a of the at least one first module 100 a andthe planar base 102 a of the at least one second module 100 astructurally support at least two lower vertical wall sections 108 b ofthe at least one upper structural foundation module 100 b, asillustrated in FIG. 19.

In one embodiment, modular marine foundation 132 includes least oneupper structural foundation module 100 d positioned atop the at leastone first module 100 c and the at least one second module 100 c such theplanar base 102 c of the at least one first module 100 c and the planarbase 102 c of the at least one second module 100 c structurally supportat least two lower vertical wall sections 108 d of the at least oneupper structural foundation module 100 d, as illustrated in FIG. 20.

In one embodiment, a cavity 133 is defined between the geometric patternof modules 132 and the one or more upper structural foundation modules100 b, as illustrated in FIG. 19. The cavity 133 enables marine life topass through and/or settle in the cavity 133 to form an artificial reef129.

Referring to FIG. 21, a preferred method of constructing a marinefoundation 134 for protection against coastal erosion is disclosedherein. The method 134 preferably includes a first step 136 oftransporting a plurality of self-anchoring foundation modules 132, asshown for example in FIGS. 12-14, to a coastal site where coastalprotection structures will be placed to control erosion, as exemplifiedin FIGS. 15-17. Each module 100 can be transported individually, oralternatively, several modules 100 can be stacked upon each other, onthe bed of a truck or a semi-trailer. Preferably, each module 100 of theplurality 132 has a shell body 138, as illustrated in FIG. 14, having atop wall 106 connected to four opposing vertical side walls 108, themodule 100 being adapted such that when the module 100 is submerged, thevertical side walls 108 embed into the soil 120 of the sea bed 122 asillustrated, for example in FIGS. 9A-9 C. Because the modules 100 arereadily transportable and structurally very strong and massive, theycould be reused indefinitely if constructed properly at different sitesand locations over a long period of time.

Preferably, the method 134 provides a means to readily form a breakwater or barrier to wave action in any geometric configuration thatwould be particularly useful in a given situation. The modules 100 arepreferably fabricated of structural load carrying reinforced concrete,and because they can be filled with heavy refuse material, they have apotential of weighing massive amounts, and thus little or nosusceptibility to movement during storms such as hurricanes.

The method 134 preferably includes a second step 140 of submerging themodules 132 into the sea bed 122 while arranging each module 100 into anarray of modules 132 that extends along the coastal site so that themodules 100 form a marine foundation 132 adapted to receive and supportaggregate 129 and other coastal protection structures.

In one embodiment, the method 134 includes a step 142 of transportingaggregate 129 to the coastal site and unloading the aggregate 129 ontothe marine foundation 132 to dissipate wave action. In one embodiment,the aggregate 129 is sediment material, such as sand, that could beadded in that space shown between a shore and the modules 100. Becausethe modules 100 are readily transportable using a derrick barge, cranebarge or the like, they could then be moved outwardly and more sand orsediment material added between the blocks and the land zone.

In another embodiment, the method 134 includes a step 144 oftransporting artificial reefs 129 to the coastal site and unloading theartificial reefs 129 onto the marine foundation 132.

One of the embodiments of the invention is to use the uniquecharacteristics of the structural foundation module 100 to develop amethod for reconstruction of coastal shoreline without the need ofcostly heavy equipment or extensive labor. While the units 100 disclosedcan be rapidly deployed to prevent erosion in damaged areas ofinter-tidal marsh or shoreline until vegetative cover can be restored,they have many other applications for upland and wetland protection andrestoration. For example, the modules 100 can also be used to constructlow-cost foundational support in the bed of canals and intracoastalwaterways as well as in the bed of intercoastal waterways. The modularfoundation 100 can also be used as foundational support for oyster beds.

All U.S. patents and publications identified herein are incorporated intheir entirety by reference thereto.

The claimed invention is:
 1. A structural foundation module for protection against coastal shoreline erosion, comprising: a planar base having at least four connected wall sections, each connected wall section comprising an upper tapered wall section extending outwardly from the planar base and a lower vertical wall section extending downwardly from said upper wall section; said at least four wall sections defining in combination with the planar base an inner cavity having an inner surface area, said inner surface area comprising a central planar inner surface extending outwardly to an inner tapered surface transitioning concavely to an inner lower vertical wall surface; wherein said lower vertical wall sections are configured to embed into soil of a sea bed floor, for anchoring the module therein; wherein said inner cavity is adapted to enclose such soil, such that such enclosed soil exerts an upward force on the inner surface area of said module to enhance load bearing capacity of said module.
 2. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the each of the four vertical walls is adapted to embed into the surface of the ground to self-anchor until the central planar inner surface of said planar base contacts a surface of the sea bed, wherein the vertical wall sections are adapted to resist gravitational shear stresses within the soil.
 3. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein at least one of the tapered wall sections defines at least one aperture adapted for the flow of air and water when the verticals walls embed into a soil bed.
 4. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the planar body and tapered walls are constructed of reinforced concrete, comprising steel reinforcement bar disposed therein.
 5. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the upper tapered wall sections is characterized as a ribbed surface, said ribbed surface adapted to collect aggregate thereon.
 6. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the upper tapered wall sections is characterized as a laterally inwardly stepped surface at discrete intervals along its length such that the laterally inwardly stepped surface is adapted to collect aggregate thereon.
 7. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the planar base is characterized as square in shape.
 8. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the planar base, tapered wall sections and vertical wall sections are of unitary construction fabricated with reinforced concrete.
 9. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the planar base is characterized as rectangular in shape.
 10. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein verticals walls are adapted to self-anchor into a sea bed floor.
 11. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein said module is characterized by a weight, wherein said upward force exceeds the weight of the module.
 12. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the combined width of the planar base and tapered walls is at least twice the length of the respective lower vertical walls.
 13. A modular marine foundation comprising: a plurality of structural foundation modules, wherein each structural foundation module comprises: a planar base having at least four connected wall sections, each connected wall section comprising an upper tapered wall section extending outwardly from the planar base and a lower vertical wall section extending downwardly from said upper wall section; said at least four wall sections defining in combination with the planar base an inner cavity having an inner surface area, said inner surface area comprising a central planar inner surface extending outwardly to an inner tapered surface transitioning concavely to an inner lower vertical wall surface; wherein said lower vertical wall sections are configured to embed into soil of a sea bed floor, for anchoring the module therein; wherein said inner cavity is adapted to enclose such soil, such that the enclosed soil exerts an upward force on the inner surface area of said module to enhance load bearing capacity of said module. wherein the structural foundation modules are arranged in an array to form a geometric pattern of modules along a coastal zone where erosion is to be controlled, wherein said geometric pattern of said modules is positioned to provide foundational support for artificial reefs or other erosion control structures when the vertical wall sections are embedded into the soil of the sea bed floor.
 14. The modular marine foundation of claim 13, wherein said geometric pattern of modules comprises at least one first module disposed adjacent to at least one second module, wherein at least one vertical wall section of the at least one first module opposes at least one vertical wall section of the at least one second module.
 15. The modular marine foundation of claim 14, further comprising at least one upper structural foundation modules positioned atop the at least one first module and the at least one second module such the planar base of the at least one first module and the planar base of the at least one second module structurally support at least two lower vertical wall sections of the at least one upper structural foundation modules.
 16. The modular marine foundation of claim 15, wherein a cavity is defined between the geometric pattern of modules and the one or more upper structural foundation modules.
 17. A method of constructing a marine foundation for protection against coastal erosion, comprising: transporting a plurality of self-anchoring foundation modules to a coastal site where coastal protection structures will be placed to control erosion, wherein each module comprises a shell body having a top wall connected to four opposing vertical side walls, said module being adapted such that when the module is submerged said vertical side walls embed into the soil of the sea bed; and submerging the modules into the sea bed while arranging the modules in an array that extends along the coastal site so that the modules form a marine foundation adapted to receive and support aggregate and other coastal protection structures.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising transporting aggregate to the coastal site and unloading the aggregate onto the marine foundation to dissipate wave action.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising transporting artificial reefs to the coastal site and unloading the artificial reefs onto the marine foundation. 